‘OK,’ she said at last. ‘But I’m not a charity case. I want to pay my way.’
‘Sure,’ said Matt. ‘That’s cool with me.’
He held her gaze and she knew she was going to agree. ‘In that case, I’d love to go.’
Matt squeezed her hand. ‘Excellent. This could be the breakthrough you need.’
When he moved his hand away, Darcie couldn’t help feeling a little sad, but the thought of going to Brittany more than made up for it.
Chapter 19
Nathalie
When I returned to Paris I had never felt so conflicted. I hated leaving Marcel when I felt I had only just found him, found someone I truly loved. But seeing my parents was more emotional than I had imagined. Despite everything, I had missed them greatly, but on seeing them, the idea that we were now a family of three felt an unwelcome reality.
Coming home brought Edgar’s death into sharp focus, and I could see the loss had taken its toll on Maman. Her clothes hung from her and were clearly at least one size too big for her now. I made a mental note to alter her dresses, so they fitted her better.
‘I am glad you’re home,’ said Maman as we sat down for our evening meal of bread and cheese. My aunt had insisted I take some food home with me as rations in the city were worse than ever. ‘The apartment is too quiet without you or your brother.’
I looked across at Papa and couldn’t help noticing the drawn look in his face. His cheekbones were more pronounced and his eyes looked like they were sinking into his face. There was a bleakness that hadn’t been there before, and his presence that once filled a room had diminished. I couldn’t explain it, but it was as if part of his soul had died and left behind a man shrouded in an aura of grief.
‘Is everything all right? You look tired, Papa.’
There was an uncomfortable silence as my parents exchanged looks. ‘Not tonight,’ said Maman. ‘We will talk tomorrow.’
‘Talk about what?’ I asked, now alarmed at their behaviour.
Papa shook his head. ‘We might as well say now.’
‘Please, tell me,’ I urged.
Papa couldn’t look me in the eye; instead his gaze was fixed on the food in front of him. ‘I’ve had to close the shop,’ he said.
I frowned, not quite understanding the implications. ‘Today? Why?’
‘Not just for today,’ he replied.
I looked at Maman. ‘I don’t understand.’
Maman let out a sigh. ‘We have been targeted,’ explained Maman. ‘The Germans believe we are somehow involved with whatever Edgar was up to. They have stopped coming to the shop and last week, we received orders we were to cease trading.’
‘That is terrible,’ I said, putting my fork down. ‘They can’t do that.’
Papa tutted. ‘Of course, they can. And they have.’ He reached out and placed his hand over mine. ‘I am so happy you are home. I know your mother has missed you but all of a sudden everything is so uncertain. Maybe you should have stayed in Brittany after all. We only have a small amount of money. After that …’
He didn’t finish the sentence.
Maman spoke. ‘After that, we all may have to go to Brittany.’ Tears filled her eyes and she grappled for a handkerchief to wipe her face. I knew how much Paris meant to Maman. She would hate to have to leave her home and her beloved city.
‘Please don’t cry, Maman,’ I said. ‘It will be all right. There is something I haven’t told you.’
Both my parents looked up at me and I tried to keep the smile from my face.
‘What is it?’ asked Papa.
‘I have been offered a job at the Ritz hotel,’ I said, sitting up straighter. ‘I begin the day after tomorrow. So you won’t have to worry about money. I will be earning.’
‘A job at the Ritz?’ said Maman. ‘But how?’
